Intellectually Entertaining. Socially Relevant.
During a recent telephone conversation with my dad, he asked me, “What style music does Alex Cuba play?” I was stumped and had a really difficult time defining the sound. I stumbled around trying to answer the question, but really had no answer. Finally, he said, “That’s ok, I’ll look him up.” Fast forward a Read More
I originally started writing this on Monday as soon as I heard the rumors of Yomo Toro’s passing. Thankfully, those rumors were put to rest when a family friend and representative came forth stating that Mr. Toro had not passed and in fact, was alert, sitting up in bed, and conversing with family. Personally that Read More
Flashback Fridays Remember this moment. It’s one of the very few times you’ll ever witness me addressing the “Salsa Romantica” era in a positive light. It’s not because it isn’t any good. To me, it’s an era in which salsa became a little too synthesized for my liking. It took a turn towards becoming too Read More
Flashback Fridays I had a different artist in mind for today’s Flashback. I felt that I’ve been inundating you guys with artists from the Salsa genre and I had intended to break that streak when I heard the sad news of the passing of a legend in his own right – Fania vocalist, Junior Gonzalez. Read More
Flashback Fridays If salseros needed a degree to do what they do, they would probably get it from El Gran Combo, Latin America’s premiere Salsa orchestra. They are nicknamed “La Universidad de La Salsa” or “The University of Salsa” due to the great number of artists who either started or developed their careers with them. Read More
Flashback Fridays Two weeks ago, we covered the art of sonando, and how the sonero is a dying breed within the Salsa community. There have been many soneros since way before it’s golden age in between the late 50s and late 70s, but only a few stand out, having been given legendary status. Only one Read More
Flashback Fridays Freestyler (music): An artist who can improvise off the top of the head. I bet some of you automatically think of some rap artists going toe to toe in a freestyle battle. I like those too, but freestyling can be found in any other genre of music. In Salsa, the art of freestyling Read More
Flashback Friday We’ve all heard his story many times over. Different versions, some so different you don’t know who or what to believe. His life was turned into an off-Broadway play and even a major production on the big screen, portrayed by an international superstar. Having said that, I think I’ll spare you the life Read More
Flashback Friday I think it’s safe to say that we all have that one special song that reminds us of a loved one that has passed away. Whether it’s “It’s so Hard to Say Goodbye”, “One Sweet Day”, or “Tears in Heaven”, these songs tend to provide a sense of comfort and in a way Read More
The first time I ever met Don Sonero, aka Gilberto Velazquez, was at the filming of the eagerly anticipated, Being Latino PSA. After he read the cue cards, Gilberto started singing acapella and the hairs on my neck stood up. All I could think was, “This man has a voice on him!” The second time Read More